Paper Title
The Concepts Of Cults, Mental Control And Human Slavery In The Current Israeli Political And Legal Arena

Abstract
Israel society is pluralistic and tolerant of various religious beliefs and practices, and it seems that spiritual and religious activities are flourishing. On the other hand, over the past decade the anti-cult movement (ACM) in Israel has been wildly successful at targeting deviant and marginal groups. The media features sensational stories about “cults”, particularly exploitative leaders, heinous crimes and brainwashing (mental control) of members. The anti-cult movement in Israel has managed to harness state branches to its increasing activity over the past few years, so much so that it has placed Israel among the most combative of the anti-cult spectrum among developed countries (Ruah-Midbar Shapiro and Warshawski, 2018). To some extent, Israel is resurrecting the North American “dead horse” of moral panic on cults and brain-washing. This paper will discuss the background and implications of this local phenomenon. The concepts of cults, mental control and human slavery in the current Israeli political and legal arena.